Updates on two crucial D.C. events and more!

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Issue 9: October 6, 2023

A monthly spotlight on major developments from MPAC’s Policy Bureau

THIS MONTH IN DC – U.S. National Security and Muslims, Protecting Human Rights to Redefine the U.S.-India relationship, The Double Standard: Evaluating U.S. National Security and Anti-Muslim Animus ([link removed]) , Fear and Anxiety: Pakistan's Minority Sikhs Flee Restive Province ([link removed]) , MPAC Supports NJ Mayor's Lawsuit Over Terrorism Watchlist ([link removed]) , MPAC Joins Civil Society Orgs in Opposition to Israel's Admission into the Visa Waiver Program ([link removed]) , MPAC Welcomes the Creation of the WH Office of Gun Prevention ([link removed]) ,
Remembering Senator Feinstein ([link removed]) , Remembering Shams Hebab Ghoneim ([link removed]) , CLDP Applications Now Open ([link removed]) , 2023 MPAC Convention Tickets On Sale Now ([link removed])


** Conversations On Capitol Hill
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Last month, MPAC hosted the first two events in our new congressional briefing series: Conversations on Capitol Hill.
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At our first event, U.S. National Security & Muslims, MPAC President Salam Al-Marayati shed light on the discriminatory practices used against Muslims within U.S. national security policies. The discussion focused on the need to reevaluate security approaches, address the root causes of anti-Muslim animus, and highlight the dismissal of other major security threats, including White Supremacy and Hindutva.

Our objective is to encourage the U.S. government to revisit discriminatory policies that undermine our national security interests and to include Muslim voices in shaping effective national security policies that safeguard both our communities and national interests. Salam also recently published an op-ed on the same topic. ([link removed])

Watch our highlight video here ([link removed]) .

At our second event – Protecting Human Rights to Redefine the U.S.-India Relationship moderated by MPAC Director of Policy and Strategy, Niala Mohammad, Dr. Angana Chatterji, Research Anthropologist at UC Berkeley and Founding Co-Chair of Political Conflict, Gender, and People’s Rights Initiative, and Raqib Hameed Naik, Kashmiri journalist and Founder of Hindutva Watch discussed the deteriorating human rights conditions in India, particularly for religious minority communities. Our aim is to address these issues with our international partners and work towards a more inclusive and tolerant society that fosters true democratic values and security.

More to come on this great event!


** In the Media:
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** The Double Standard: Evaluating U.S. National Security and Anti-Muslim Animus ([link removed])
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Op-Ed Published in LA Progressive
By Salam Al-Marayati, MPAC President

"Our national security strategy is hostile to Islam and Muslims."

"Watchlists, harassment at airports, shutdown of charities, seizure of assets– what are considered characteristics of Islamophobia in America today emanate from our national security policies... White supremacists threats to Jewish, Sikh, African and Hispanic American, Muslim, and other communities are minimized because of the blinders U.S. policymakers impose on our distorted view of terrorism, namely singling out Muslims."

Read the full published op-ed here ([link removed]) .


** 'Fear And Anxiety': Pakistan's Minority Sikhs Flee Restive Province In Face Of Rising Violence ([link removed])
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**
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Radio Free Europe Radio Liberty

"Violent attacks, including targeted killings, abductions, extortion, forced conversions to Islam, and forced marriages pose major threats to the Sikh community in Pakistan," [Niala Mohammad] said.

"The growing intolerance for religious diversity has forced many Sikhs to migrate to other countries in search of safety and freedom to practice their faith without fear," added Mohammad, who is a director at the Muslim Public Affairs Council in Washington.

Read the full article here ([link removed]) .


** Statement: MPAC Supports New Jersey Mayor’s Lawsuit Over Terrorism Watchlist ([link removed])
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“These watchlists, which target individuals solely based on their race, religion, or ethnicity, are not only morally wrong but also blatantly unconstitutional.” - Salam Al-Marayati

MPAC stands with Prospect Park, NJ Mayor Mohamed Khairullah in his legal efforts to highlight the misuse of terrorism watchlists against American Muslims. Earlier this year, Mayor Khairullah was disinvited from an Eid al-Fitr celebration at the White House after being told his security clearance was denied.

Read our full statement here ([link removed]) .


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** Statement: MPAC Joins Civil Society Organizations in Opposition to Israel’s Admission into the Visa Waiver Program ([link removed])
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"This decision will serve to embolden the Israeli government in its ongoing efforts to target American Muslims, Arab Americans, and Palestinian Americans and exploit the rules in the name of security." - Salam Al-Marayati

MPAC stands with its coalition partners in opposition to the recent decision to grant Israel admission into the U.S. Visa Waiver program.

Read the full joint statement here ([link removed]) .


** Statement: MPAC Welcomes the Creation of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention: ([link removed])
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"From violent hate crimes to mass shootings, gun violence is an epidemic that affects all Americans. This initiative is essential in efforts to protect our houses of worship, schools, and communities.” – Salam Al-Marayati

MPAC commends the Biden Administration’s commitment to addressing the issue of gun violence and safeguarding our communities with the establishment of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention.

Read our full statement here ([link removed]) .


** SB567, the Homelessness Prevention Act is SIGNED: ([link removed])
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SB567, the Homelessness Prevention Act, was recently signed into law. Housing is a fundamental human right, and this legislation is a major step in increasing affordable housing, protecting renters from unlawful
protections from unlawful evictions, and ensuring human security for California residents. MPAC is proud to have stood alongside coalition partners in advocating for the passage of this bill.

Learn more about what SB567 means for CA residents here ([link removed]) .


** World Democracy Day: ([link removed])
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MPAC's Director of Policy and Strategy, Niala Mohammad, joined VOA journalist Munaza Shaheed on World Democracy Day to discuss the women's rights violations and decline of democracy in Afghanistan.

Watch the clip here ([link removed]) .


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** Remembering Senator Dianne Feinstein: ([link removed])
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(L to R: Rabbi Leonard Beerman, Reverend George Regas, Senator Dianne Feinstein, and MPAC Co-Founder Dr. Maher Hathout)

MPAC reflects on the legacy of Senator Dianne Feinstein, a figure who, in many ways, was an integral part of the political establishment in Washington, D.C. Senator Feinstein dedicated her life to public service, holding steadfast to her position until the end. While opinions on her tenure may differ, there is no denying that she made significant strides in the pursuit of justice for underrepresented communities.

Read more about her life and legacy here ([link removed]) .


** Remembering Shams Hegab Ghoneim: ([link removed])
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MPAC is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Shams Hegab Ghoneim, one of its earliest members and a tireless advocate for human rights and interfaith dialogue, last month. Shams leaves behind a legacy of public service, dedicating much of her life to helping others and the never-ending struggle for a more just world. Shams was known for her rare combination of following the tradition of our Prophet (PBUH) in being gentle and compassionate with everyone, but being firm in standing for justice and for the downtrodden.

Read more about her life and legacy here ([link removed]) .


** In Case You Missed It:
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** 2024 CLDP Applications are Now Open! ([link removed])
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Are you ready to step into public service positions and make a lasting impact as an American Muslim on Capitol Hill? We are thrilled to announce that the application window for the 2024 Congressional Leadership Development Program (CLDP) is now open! This is your opportunity to join a transformative cohort of young students that will shape you into a dynamic and effective leader of tomorrow.

For program information and application requirements, click here ([link removed]) .


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** Upcoming Events
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**
2023 MPAC Convention: Authentic Voices for Principled Change ([link removed])
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Mark your calendars! On November 11, 2023, join us at our annual Convention for a fireside chat and book signing with award-winning journalist and author Mehdi Hasan.


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Hasan is host of ‘The Mehdi Hasan Show’ on MSNBC and Peacock, and author of the 2023 New York Times bestseller, ‘Win Every Argument: The Art of Debating, Persuading, and Public Speaking.’

Tickets on sale now. Purchase here ([link removed]) .

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